Old Cuban - elegance in a glass

A cool drink that epitomises elegance and tradition: The Old Cuban cocktail has established itself as a timeless classic in the world of cocktails. With a perfect combination of fine ingredients and a fascinating history, this tantalising mix of rum, mint and sparkling wine will captivate any discerning palate.

Originally created in the bars of New York City by renowned bartender Audrey Saunders in the early 2000s, the Old Cuban Cocktail combines the best of two legendary cocktails - the Mojito and the classic Champagne Cocktail. The recipe may seem simple at first glance, but the real magic lies in the details and the quality of the ingredients used.

The key ingredients

The main ingredient in the Old Cuban cocktail is high-quality Cuban rum. Traditionally, the cocktail is prepared with a mature, dark rum to give the drink a full and complex flavour. The rum forms the solid basis for the cocktail's flavour profile and harmonises perfectly with the other ingredients.

Another key element of the Old Cuban cocktail is fresh mint. The mint is muddled, i.e. lightly crushed, to release its essential oils and give the cocktail a refreshing flavour. It combines wonderfully with the rum and creates a pleasant balance between sweetness and freshness.

To give the drink an elegant touch, a hint of lime is added to the Old Cuban cocktail. The lime juice rounds off the flavours and provides a pleasant acidity that refreshes the palate. This subtle citrus flavour adds a certain sophistication to the cocktail.

The highlight

The highlight of the Old Cuban cocktail is undoubtedly the bubbly sparkling wine that is added to the glass as the crowning finish. The sparkling wine gives the drink a light texture and a festive flavour, making the Old Cuban the perfect companion for special occasions.

Preparing an Old Cuban cocktail requires a certain amount of care and precision. The fresh ingredients should be carefully selected and thoughtfully combined to achieve the optimum flavour experience. Muddling the mint requires gentle movements to release the flavours without extracting too much bitterness. Adding sparkling wine requires a delicate touch to maintain the bubbles and avoid watering down the drink too much.

The Old Cuban Cocktail is a drink that will delight both connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of cocktails. Its rich flavour and appealing appearance make it an ideal choice for those looking for a touch of luxury. Whether you make it in an elegant bar or at home, the Old Cuban Cocktail is a timeless classic that will transport your taste buds to another dimension.

So, raise your glass and toast with an Old Cuban cocktail - a drink that reflects the elegance of times gone by and is timelessly modern at the same time. Savour every sip and let yourself be seduced by this fascinating mix of rum, mint and sparkling wine. Santé!

Old Cuban

5 cl dark rum (e.g.: Bacardi Ocho)

2.5 cl lime juice
1.5 cl sugar syrup

4 cl sparkling wine (champagne or sparkling wine / Cremant)

2 fresh mint sprigs

Place all the ingredients, except the sparkling wine, in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain the drink through a fine sieve into a cocktail bowl and top up with sparkling wine.